2021 LOTSA Pen Rearing Wrap Up

[Instigator]

2021 LOTSA Pen Rearing Wrap Up

 

This year LOTSA’s Pen Rearing Project expanded again.   For 21 days we held 111,000 Chinook salmon and 17,000 Steelhead in nine fish pens located at the Town of Newfane Marina in Olcott NY.  The pens were assembled on March 27^th LOTSA members and a few volunteers from Lake Erie Chapter of Fly Fishers.  The fish were received on April 6^th and moved in pens to their temporary homes on “A” dock in Eighteen Mile Creek.  At receipt, the Chinook salmon weighed 126 fish/lb and the Steelhead were 24 fish/lb.  During their stay, they were fed continuously via belt feeders that were loaded every morning by Dennis Stabler, Capt. Vince Pierleoni and Marina Director Scott Scheffler.  The warmer water temperatures and continuous feeding led to impressive growth during their stay and some of the best product that we have seen.  On April 25^th the Steelhead and April 28^th the Chinook salmon were released into the harbor just before dusk to minimize risk of predation from birds and other fish.  At release the Chinook averaged 67.4 fish per pound and the Steelhead averaged 15.97 fish per pound.  NYDEC had “Hazers” working in the harbor for 2 days after the fish release to deter predation from birds as well.

 

This project would not be possible without an incredible amount of help from volunteers and generosity from local businesses.  I would like to thank Scott Scheffler and The Town of Newfane for support throughout the project, also The Boat Doctor/Tackle Barn and The East Side Market in Olcott.  Please support these businesses and show them your appreciation too.